The Homework Grid

1
The Homework Grid

• Taken from Homework and the Homework Grid, Ian
  Lillico, 2004

2
Ian Lillicos Homework Grid

• Recognises the wide range of after school
  activities.
• Encourages positive family interactions.
• Allows relaxed time for children to pursue their
  own learning.

3

• Children need life skills as well as academic
  skills to cope with life beyond school and home.
• Parents and teachers work together for the
  benefit of all children.

4
Factors impinging on traditional homework

• Busy lifestyles.
• Sedentary nature of children- smaller backyards,
  smaller families, electronic games, drive
  everywhere, parents safety concerns.
• Change in family life (single parent, blended
  families, dysfunctional families, etc).
• Information explosion-Internet, computer games,
  mobile phones, DVDs, cable TV, etc.
• More emphasis on writing and reading than doing.
• n

5
Parents and Homework

• Homework can be a chore for both child and
  parent, especially after a hard day at the
  office.
• Parents miss out on quality time with children
  because the child is doing hours of homework.
• Parents do their childs homework.
• Stress of homework leads to arguments.
• Some parents judge schools on the amount of
  homework given (more is better).
• lo

6
The Homework Grid- Why and What

• Children need to practise concepts learnt at
  school.
• Includes work done at home for home-eg shopping,
  housework. As a member of the family children
  need to contribute to the family.
• Includes physical activity.
• Includes activities that enhance family life eg
  being read to, playing games as a family,
  cultural activities etc.
• nnn

7
Lillicos Grid Recommended Cells
Read a variety of books including school books Be read to by another member of the family Shopping with parents
Physical activity/sport training Housework (Compulsory every night) Art
Teach your parents something you were taught at school Play a game with an adult Assignments/ project research
Meditation/Spiritual/Relaxation Use computer for work Cultural/Music practice
8
About the Grid

• Each cell can represent an amount of time 5-10
  minutes.
• Fortnightly.
• Do something from each cell to ensure breadth and
  diversity of work done at home.
• Schools work with parents to ensure children are
  balanced in their activities.
• Whole school or at least upper and lower school
  have agreement on cells, which should emphasise
  diversity, family life and active pursuits.
• j

9
Example of Year 3 Homework Grid
St Ignatius School Yr 3 Homework Grid
Name Term 1 Weeks 4-5 Due
date Fri 2/3/07 The shaded boxes are compulsory
and children must complete at least two of the
remaining boxes per fortnight.
Spelling Use the Look, Cover, Write, Check method to learn your spelling words each night. The spelling words will be given to the children at the beginning of each week. Spelling will be tested each Friday. Parents signature . Contracts Book Complete Contract 3 and hand in on Friday 23/2/07 (Do some each day) Parents signature . Complete Contact 4 and hand in on Friday 2/3/07. (Do some each day) Parents signature . Reading Read aloud to your parents. Parents please sign the Reading Record each night and return it with the reader each day. Readers are exchanged daily. Parents signature . Housework Help clean up after dinner each evening. Parents signature .
Shopping Go shopping with your parent. Discuss money, eg how much change did you get from xx. How was that change made up? eg 1.20 could be 2 x 50c 20c. Parents signature Physical/Sport Continue with your organised sport or if you dont participate in one, play a game outside. Parents signature . Cultural/Music Continue with your instrumental music lessons, or if you dont learn an instrument, listen to some classical music (maybe in the car on your way to or from school). Parents signature . Spiritual/Meditation Tell Mum or Dad the prayers we say at school. Lead your family in saying Grace before dinner one evening. Parents signature